19-year-old Albanian dies at construction site after falling from the 12th floor

A 19-year-old Albanian has died after falling into a ventilation shaft in an accident described as “entirely preventable” at a construction site in Acton, London.

The victim, Renols Lleshi, was helping dismantle scaffolding on the roof garden on the 12th floor of a building under construction, in the Ark Soane Academy area on Mill Hill Road.

According to investigations, as he stepped onto a ventilation shaft, its cover collapsed, causing him to fall six floors, which led to his death. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the area had only been covered with a sheet of plasterboard and roof foam, measures that were insufficient for safety.

It was also discovered that routine inspections of the building did not include the roof garden area, meaning the risk was not identified and no warning was given to the scaffolding team.

The victim’s family stated that the fact that his death was entirely preventable makes the loss even more painful for them. His father said that, although they are grateful for the investigation and criminal prosecution of those responsible, nothing can bring back their son or ease the pain.

The construction company, Jerram Falkus Construction Limited, the victim’s employer, admitted to breaching work-at-height regulations and was fined £42,200, and was also required to pay an additional £2,000 and £5,000 in court costs by the City of London Magistrates’ Court.

“KORÇA BOOM”